Maureen Browne
Maureen Browne started studying DanZan Ryu Jujitsu at 16, and also trained in Aikido and Kodokan Judo as a student at NIU. She continued Aikido training at the Midwest Aikido Center and Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, where she received her Shodan from Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Maureen and her husband founded the Fox Valley Judo and Jujitsu Club in 1986, and later established the Martial Arts Training Service, where she teaches Aikido and founded the Fox Valley Aikikai, affiliated with T. K. Chiba Shihan. Maureen holds the rank of 8th Dan Professor in DanZan Ryu Jujitsu and 6th Dan Shihan in Aikido, and has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology.
Bonnie Pruzaniec
Coach Bonnie Pruzaniec holds the rank of Sandan in Kodokan Judo and is a certified National Judo Coach from USA Judo. Bonnie also trains in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Gracie Barra in Des Plaines. Bonnie is a seasoned Judo competitor having fought at 48 kilos on both National and International levels. Bonnie began her Judo training at the age of ten at Montclair YMCA with Bob Larsen and also trained at the Oak Park YMCA with Ernie Hauser. It was at the Oak Park YMCA that Bonnie met John Gussman, and that began their life long Judo friendship. It was John's wish that Bonnie take over the coaching of the Fox Valley Judo after his passing.
Sergey Tsygalnitsky
Sergey began his Aikido training in 1998 at the Martial Arts Training Service. Sergey joined the MATS Uchi Deshi Program in 2002. As a member of the Uchi Deshi program Sergey trained intensively a minimum of 30 hours per month and assisted with teaching the Children’s Aikido Program. Sergey currently holds the rank of 5th Dan and Shidoin (Licensed Instructor) in Aikido and assists with teaching the Aikido program.
John Gussman
Coach John Gussman, who began the study of Kodokan judo in 1962 with Frank Hubbard Sensei in Dearborn, MI, has passed away. He competed on a national-level until 1978 and then coached and trained judo competitors on the national and international level. At the time of his passing, he held the rank of Godan (5th Dan) in Kodokan Judo and was an Internationally Certified Judo Coach through USA Judo. John began the study of DanZan Ryu jujitsu in 1975 with Prof. Pat Browne and taught DanZan Ryu jujitsu since 1986 when he and his wife Maureen founded the Fox Valley Judo and Jujitsu Club. Until his passing, John coached national and international judo competitors at the Junior and Senior level.